The Standard Digital

OPINION: Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) John Mbadi has featured in the news for the last few weeks, courtesy of both obligation and choice. The ongoing energy-related challenges have naturally shone the spotlight on Mr Mbadi owing to his docket. He has been inevitably forced to explain the financial implications arising from the evolving fuel crisis. ow.ly/UzYy50Z439U

Alexander Chagema: The Luhya community is Kenya's second-largest ethnic bloc, with close to three million registered voters spread across Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, and Nairobi. Any serious presidential candidate must salivate after such numbers. Yet, going into 2027, the Luhya community presents a fractured political house. Its most prominent leaders are pulling in different directions, making the idea of a united Luhya vote more of a theoretical construct than a political reality. ow.ly/hqzw50Z439t

OPINION: Social media and public discussion trends over the past few years have shown that the murder of women is rarely allowed to stand on its own terms. Every femicide is immediately subjected to a trial in absentia, where the victim must prove she deserved to live. Was she faithful? Was she “respectable”? Did she reject him? Did she drink? Did she post certain photos online? Was she out late? Was she dating multiple men? Even in death, women are forced to account for themselves in ways their killers never are. The question ceases to be why a man killed, and instead becomes what kind of woman was killed. ow.ly/1Bg350Z438L

A fresh political battle is looming within President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election camp after leaders from Western Kenya formally demanded the Deputy President position in what is expected to reshape coalition negotiations and political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election. ow.ly/LskX50Z435U

In a letter dated May 19, 2026, the National Assembly of Kenya Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife directed the Principal Secretary for Wildlife Silvia Museiya to account for the funds, which were part of an Sh800 million allocation for a pilot Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) compensation digital insurance scheme. ow.ly/hFky50Z435C

Following the latest breach of the President’s security in Kilifi County, Maiyo’s superiors became convinced he was not the right person for the demanding role, amid claims that the veteran VIP protection officer had allowed some politicians to interfere with security protocols for their own selfish interests. ow.ly/Mtl050Z434z

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday sharply criticised President William Ruto’s administration, urging it to listen to Kenyans’ grievances instead of engaging in political distractions. Addressing Kiambu Jubilee delegates, Uhuru said, “I warned you,” decrying what he described as the country’s slide into tribal politics, mudslinging and tone-deaf leadership. He blamed the government for fuelling dangerous political passions. ow.ly/H2yM50Z434j

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North Macedonian DJ and electronic music producer Mentor Zenula, widely known as Xsoundbeatz, is steadily breaking out of the Balkan club scene as his latest material begins to generate international traction. The Skopje-based artist, who has previously built a reputation blending traditional regional vibes like Tallava with modern Jersey Club and electronic beats, is experiencing a fresh wave of digital momentum. ow.ly/TIOj50Z3PJF

President William Ruto has donated Sh1.7m for gospel artist Rachael Wandeto, who was laid to rest in Kirinyaga amid renewed calls for justice over her killing. Family, friends, local leaders and residents attended the burial of Wandeto, whose death sparked outrage after she was allegedly attacked and set ablaze by unknown assailants. ow.ly/AY2a50Z3PJ7

A symbolic and widely praised moment marked Arsenal F.C.’s Premier League trophy celebrations at Selhurst Park after the Gunners sealed their 22-year wait for the English title. Instead of the usual league officials or commercial representatives, the medals and trophy were presented by Emmanuel Nmecha of North London United, a London-based inclusive football organisation supporting children and adults with Down Syndrome. Arsenal lifted the 2025/26 Premier League trophy following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace F.C., securing their first league crown since 2004 under manager Mikel Arteta. ow.ly/JWiS50Z3PIF

This Mental Health Awareness Month, ardent reader and book reviewer Sifa Rehema picks five light fiction reads that can boost mental wellness. Rehema’s desire for quiet introspection made her reach for this Japanese novella, a genre that she says has a remarkable ability to make the mundane feel alive. Recommended by a friend as a short and easy read, it matched the contemplative energy she was seeking. She describes the book as charming and utterly addictive. ow.ly/6pEG50Z3PHs

A Boeing 727-100 once linked to Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar has been transformed into a stationary rental property in Bristol, England, offering guests a budget-friendly taste of 1980s-style luxury. The wingless, engine-less fuselage now operates as a themed Airbnb, costing about Sh12,961 ($100) per person and accommodating up to four guests, giving visitors a chance to experience a rare slice of aviation history. ow.ly/XLKB50Z3PH7

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has dismissed allegations that the government is planning to rig the 2027 General Election. He insisted the Kenya Kwanza administration will seek re-election based on its development record and service delivery. Speaking during a public engagement in Kisii on Monday, Kindiki said the government had no reason to manipulate the electoral process because its performance since taking office had already earned public confidence. ow.ly/cSUW50Z3PFK

John Kaguchia: When Martha Karua was criticizing the policies of former President Daniel arap Moi and pointing out similarities with what is happening today, she was not criticizing a community; she was examining policies, not ethnic communities. #KTNPrime

John Kaguchia: President William Ruto promised the Tanga people that he would build an oil refinery there, and when questioned by the President, he gave a long list of benefits to Tanzanians. Why not do it in Mombasa if it brings down the cost of living in Tanzania? #KTNPrime

Stephen Mule: If you look at the clip where Hassan Omar Hassan was speaking, the master of the ceremony was Hassan Joho, and Joho was smiling as Hassan Omar spoke because he was allegedly passing a message of the UDA matrix of diversion. Hassan Omar was allegedly communicating a diversionary narrative meant to shift attention from the issues affecting the country. #KTNPrime

Stephen Mule: We are putting together evidence based on the remarks made by Hassan Omar Hassan. I will petition the ICC and the Court of Justice in Arusha so that he takes personal responsibility for his actions. This should be a lesson to other Kenyans that you cannot carry messages for other people and use profiling against a community. #KTNPrime

John Kaguchia: The Secretary General is the one who communicates the party’s message. Rigathi Gachagua has sent an important message that what Hassan Omar Hassan said was not his personal opinion, but communication from his party leader. What President William Ruto called an economic plan, and which we supported, we are now realizing was a plan to disintegrate the Mt. Kenya region. #KTNPrime

John Kaguchia: I support Rigathi Gachagua in saying that we are not accepting this apology from Hassan Omar Hassan, and that he must face consequences for his actions. He is allegedly not a first-time offender and has allegedly shown hostility toward other communities. #KTNPrime